Throughout Islamic eschatology, the emergence of the Antichrist—known as Al-Masih ad-Dajjal in Arabic—is considered one of the most terrifying and pivotal signs of the approaching Day of Judgment. This figure, deceitful and dangerous, will be granted immense powers to mislead humanity. In various ahadith (prophetic traditions), Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned his followers in vivid detail about the Dajjal’s appearance, his deceptive nature, and the global scale of the chaos he will unleash.
Among the many chilling descriptions, one stands out with particular significance and comfort for the believers: the Prophet ﷺ affirmed that no city or settlement on earth will remain untouched by the terror of the Dajjal—except the two sacred cities, Makkah and Madinah.
This article will explore the authentic Islamic sources describing this prophecy, its theological implications, and why Makkah and Madinah are protected from the reach of this apocalyptic figure.
Who is the Dajjal?
In Islamic belief, the Dajjal is a false messiah who will appear before the end of time. The term Dajjal itself is derived from a root word meaning "to deceive" or "to cover truth with falsehood." He is described as a one-eyed man who will claim divinity and attempt to mislead people through false miracles and illusions.
According to authentic hadith, Dajjal will perform seemingly supernatural feats: he will bring rain, cause vegetation to grow, raise the dead (through illusion), and travel the globe at incredible speed. Many will follow him, including large numbers of people from various backgrounds and social classes. His most dangerous trait, however, is his ability to manipulate truth, presenting falsehood as truth and truth as falsehood.
The Prophetic Warning
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ did not leave his followers in the dark regarding the Dajjal. In fact, he frequently warned about this individual in sermons and private conversations. Among the most striking warnings is the one found in Sahih Muslim, narrated by Abu Bakr al-Siddiq رضي الله عنه:
"The Prophet ﷺ said: 'The Dajjal will not enter Makkah and Madinah. There are angels guarding every entrance to them. Terror will reach all places, but Madinah will be protected from it.'"
(Sahih Muslim, Book 54, Hadith 136)
This hadith clearly illustrates that while the Dajjal’s influence will be global, Makkah and Madinah are divinely protected. The reason? These cities hold unmatched spiritual significance and are safeguarded by angels by the will of Allah.
Why Makkah and Madinah Are Protected
To understand the protection of these two cities, we must reflect on their unique status in Islam:
-
Makkah is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and home to the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, toward which all Muslims face in prayer.
-
Madinah is where the Prophet ﷺ migrated during the Hijrah and where he established the first Islamic state. It is also where he is buried.
Both cities are not only sacred but are spiritual and moral beacons for Muslims. The fact that they are protected from the Dajjal's entry reinforces their centrality in the Islamic worldview and their role as safe havens during apocalyptic turmoil.
According to another narration in Sahih al-Bukhari, the Prophet ﷺ said:
“There are angels guarding the roads leading to Madinah. Neither the plague nor the Dajjal will be able to enter it.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1881)
This divine protection is not only symbolic but literal, as per the words of the Prophet ﷺ. While every other city will tremble under the terror of the Dajjal, these two cities will remain untouched sanctuaries.
The Terror That Will Spread Globally
The Prophet ﷺ described the Dajjal’s influence as immense and fearsome. In another hadith reported by Imran ibn Husayn رضي الله عنه, the Prophet ﷺ said:
"There will be no land which the Dajjal will not enter except Makkah and Madinah, and there will be no entrance (to these cities) but angels will be standing in rows guarding it."
(Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
This emphasizes the scale of his reach. The world will be tested with famine, fear, and confusion. His arrival will shake the very fabric of society, turning people against each other, creating chaos in cities, and sowing doubt even among the believers.
This global terror is not metaphorical—it will be real and overwhelming. But the exclusion of Makkah and Madinah from his reach serves as a sign of hope and a refuge for the faithful.
A City Will Shake Three Times
There is a profound hadith that describes what happens when the Dajjal reaches the outskirts of Madinah:
"He will come to Madinah and find that the angels are guarding it, so he will camp behind the salt mountains outside of Madinah. Then Madinah will shake three times, and every hypocrite and sinner will come out to join him."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
This hadith adds an important detail: while Dajjal himself cannot enter the city, Madinah will still face a great test. It will shake, perhaps metaphorically or literally, and those whose faith is weak—the hypocrites (munafiqoon)—will leave and follow the Dajjal.
This teaches us that physical protection is not enough; the heart must also be steadfast. The true defense against the Dajjal is not just being in Makkah or Madinah, but having firm belief and knowledge of his deception.
Protection Through Faith and Knowledge
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ urged the believers to memorize the first ten verses of Surah Al-Kahf, as they serve as protection against the Dajjal’s trials. He said:
"Whoever memorizes the first ten verses of Surah Al-Kahf will be protected from the Dajjal."
(Sahih Muslim)
This spiritual instruction is crucial. The Dajjal's terror is not merely physical—it is ideological. He will attempt to corrupt the hearts and minds of people. The only shield against him is faith, knowledge, and connection to divine revelation.
Final Thoughts
The prophecy that the Dajjal will not enter Makkah and Madinah is a powerful reminder of both the mercy and the justice of Allah. In a world consumed by deception and chaos, these two cities will stand as pillars of truth and sanctity. But their physical protection is also a metaphor for spiritual fortification—those who seek the truth, remain loyal to their faith, and stay connected to the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ will find protection in their hearts, no matter where they are.
As we move closer to uncertain times, the lessons from these hadith become ever more relevant. Our ultimate refuge lies not just in geography, but in belief. While the terror of the Dajjal may reach every city, it can never reach the heart of a believer fortified with faith, knowledge, and sincerity.
No comments:
Post a Comment